Garage Sales
Sets the rules for residential garage and yard sales, including how many are permitted and basic conditions, so occasional sales stay neighbourly.
This chapter is relatively focused. The key practical requirements are summarized below in plain English.
Plain-English Overview
Chapter 480 keeps residential garage/yard sales occasional and neighbourly. It limits how many sales you can hold per year and how long each can last, and limits what you can sell to your own used household items.
Who it applies to: Residents holding garage or yard sales.
Key Requirements
No more than two garage sales per year
Chapter 480, § 480-2 (Frequency)A maximum of two garage sales may be held in any year from a residential premises, and this limit applies no matter who runs them. Each sale may not exceed two consecutive days.
Compliance looks like
Holding one weekend sale in spring and one in fall.
May be a concern
Running a sale most weekends, effectively operating an ongoing business.
Sell only your own used items
Chapter 480, § 480-3 (Property restrictions)You may only sell personal property that has actually been used in connection with your home (or a neighbour's, in a joint sale). You can't sell items taken on consignment or items bought specifically to resell.
Compliance looks like
Selling your old furniture, tools, and household goods.
May be a concern
Selling new merchandise bought wholesale to resell at the sale.
Practical Compliance Guide
- 1
Plan within the limits
Keep to two sales per year, each no longer than two consecutive days.
- 2
Sell only household items
Stick to your own used belongings; avoid consignment or resale merchandise.
- 3
Be a good neighbour
Remove signage afterward and keep the sale tidy and safe.
Common Questions
How many garage sales can I have in a year?
Generally no more than two per year from a residential premises, and each may not exceed two consecutive days.
Reference: § 480-2
Plan your sales around the two-per-year limit.
Can I sell items I bought just to resell?
No — garage sales are for your own used household items. Consignment items and items bought for resale are not permitted.
Reference: § 480-3
Only put out personal property used in connection with your home.
Are there rules about garage sale signs?
Signage should not become a nuisance and is typically expected to be removed after the sale. Sign placement on public property is also regulated.
Take signs down promptly after the sale ends.
What This Chapter Generally Covers
- Number of garage sales permitted per year
- Conditions for holding a residential sale
- Signage and nuisance considerations
Common Examples
- More garage sales than permitted
- A sale operating like an ongoing business
- Garage sale signage left up after the event
Related Topics
This page summarizes Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 480, Garage Sales in plain language for general reference only — it is not legal advice. Always confirm the exact requirement, wording, and any exemptions in the official chapter or with the City of Toronto.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-14
Information on this page is summarized for general reference only and is not legal advice. Always confirm the official requirement using the City of Toronto Municipal Code or other official City sources.